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Deadly Attack in Plateau State: Rising Toll on Women

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By Prosper Mene, April 08, 2025

A brutal attack by gunmen in Nigeria’s Plateau State has left at least 52 people dead, with women and children among the casualties, intensifying fears over the region’s spiraling violence. The attack, which occurred on April 7, 2025, in a rural community, was reported by Reuters and has reignited calls for urgent government action to curb the insecurity plaguing the area.

Local authorities and survivors described a scene of chaos as armed assailants struck, targeting villagers in an escalation of the long-standing conflict between herders and farmers. While the exact motive remains unclear, the violence has once again exposed the disproportionate impact on women, who are increasingly caught in the crossfire. Many have been widowed, displaced, or left to fend for orphaned children amid a cycle of retaliatory attacks that shows no sign of abating.

“This is not just about land or cattle anymore—it’s a war on our families,” said Grace Dung, a community leader in Jos, who lost relatives in the assault. “Women are burying their husbands and children, yet we’re still waiting for protection that never comes.”

The Plateau State government confirmed the death toll and deployed security forces to the area, but residents say such measures are too little, too late. Advocacy groups argue that women, who often lack the means to flee or defend themselves, are bearing the heaviest burden. Displacement camps are swelling with female-headed households, and reports of gender-based violence in these areas are on the rise.

The federal government has faced mounting criticism for its inability to stem the bloodshed in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, where ethnic and resource disputes fuel unrest. Women’s organizations rallied in the state capital today, demanding targeted interventions—such as safe havens and economic support—to shield vulnerable populations from further harm.

“We cannot keep counting bodies while the world looks away,” said Fatima Ibrahim of the Plateau Women’s Network. “The government must act now, or more women will pay the price for this neglect.”

Women in Plateau State are facing immense challenges amidst the ongoing crisis. The recent attacks have left them vulnerable to severe violence, sexual abuse, poverty, food scarcity and insecurity. Many have lost their homes, farms and livelihoods, forcing them to flee or live in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.

 

 

 

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Nigerian Women Protest Against Senate Over Harassment Claims

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By Prosper Mene, April 08, 2025 

Hundreds of women took to the streets of Abuja today, demanding justice for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, whose suspension from the Nigerian Senate has ignited a firestorm over sexism in politics. Akpoti-Uduaghan, one of just four female senators in the 109-member chamber, was barred from duties for six months without pay after accusing a senior colleague of sexual harassment. Outside the National Assembly, protesters waved signs reading “End the Silence” and chanted for reforms to safeguard women in public office.

The senator’s allegations, first aired in mid-March, have peeled back the curtain on Nigeria’s male-dominated political arena, where women occupy less than 4% of parliamentary seats—a stark outlier even among African nations. Activists say her punishment exemplifies a chilling pattern: women who challenge the status quo face swift retaliation. “This isn’t just about one senator—it’s a warning to all of us,” said Aisha Mohammed, a prominent women’s rights advocate. “They want us to conform or be crushed, but we’re fighting back.”

The backlash has drawn support from former female lawmakers, who recounted their own struggles with harassment and exclusion during their tenures. Their stories have fueled a bigger movement, with demonstrators calling for an independent probe into Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims and a overhaul of Senate conduct rules. “I faced the same whispers, the same threats,” said ex-Senator Stella Oduah at the rally. “It’s time for accountability.”

Under pressure, Senate leadership announced a closed-door policy review, but many dismiss it as a hollow gesture. “We’ve seen promises before, nothing changes,” said protester Funmi Adebayo, a university student. “Women deserve more than token seats and silenced voices.”

Nigeria’s struggle with gender equity in governance is a pressing concern, with women facing significant barriers in politics and society. Despite being Africa’s most populous nation, Nigeria has made slow progress in promoting women’s rights and representation.

 

 

 

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Pregnant Woman Brutally Murdered in Abuja Home, Sparking Outrage Amid Rising Gender-Based Violence Concerns

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By Prosper Mene April 8, 2025 

A pregnant woman was brutally murdered in her matrimonial home in Abuja on the night of April 6, 2025, The woman, who was five months pregnant, was killed by unknown assailants, leaving the community in shock and reigniting urgent discussions about the safety of women in Nigeria amidst ongoing protests and systemic challenges.

The incident was first brought to public attention by an Abuja-based X user, Aunty Halima, who shared the tragic news, prompting widespread outrage online. Details surrounding the murder remain scarce, with authorities yet to release an official statement on the investigation or the identity of the victim. However, the brutality of the crime has struck a nerve, particularly given the timing, coming just a day after nationwide protests in Abuja, Lagos, and Rivers State, where women and activists were among those demonstrating against the misuse of the Cybercrime Act of 2024, economic hardship, and increasing authoritarianism.

The Take It Back Movement, which organized the protests, has been vocal about the Nigerian government’s failure to address systemic issues, including gender-based violence. On April 7, 2025, protesters in Port Harcourt and Abuja faced teargas from police, a response that critics argue reflects a broader pattern of suppression rather than protection. Juwon Sanyaolu, the National Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, stated during the protests, “We are resisting the increasing authoritarianism of this administration,” a sentiment that resonates deeply in the wake of this latest tragedy.

This murder adds to a grim tally of gender-based violence in Nigeria. A 2024 report by the DOHS Cares Foundation revealed that 133 women and girls were killed in gender-related incidents last year alone, with cases ranging from intimate partner violence to targeted attacks. The European Institute for Gender Equality defines such killings as femicide, often rooted in misogyny and patriarchal structures that devalue women’s lives. In Nigeria, where 30% of women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical or sexual violence, according to the Minister for Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, the crisis is undeniable.

Civil society groups are now calling for immediate action to address the systemic failures that enable such violence. Ololade Ajayi, founder of DOHS Cares Foundation, emphasized, “Femicide is a crime against life. It should be regarded as a societal problem.” Activists argue that the government’s focus on suppressing dissent—evidenced by the crackdown on protests and the misuse of the Cybercrime Act to target journalists and activists—diverts resources and attention from protecting vulnerable groups, particularly women.

The murder in Abuja is a stark reminder of the dangers women face in Nigeria, where cultural and systemic barriers often prevent justice. A 2024 study in the Terrorism and Political Violence journal noted that misogyny fuels violent intentions, particularly among men who feel a “sense of violated entitlement,” a dynamic that may contribute to such targeted attacks. Meanwhile, the government’s failure to address these root causes, coupled with a justice system that often lets femicide suspects walk free, continues to embolden perpetrators.

As the investigation into this tragic murder unfolds, the incident has already become a rallying cry for those demanding change. With protests ongoing and the nation grappling with economic and social crises, the question remains: will this latest tragedy finally spur meaningful action to protect Nigerian women, or will it become another statistic in a long list of unresolved cases?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Nigeria’s First Lady Sounds Alarm on Soaring Maternal and Newborn Deaths

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By Prosper Mene, April 7, 2025

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has publicly condemned the nation’s staggering maternal and newborn mortality rates, calling it a pressing crisis that demands immediate national attention. In a passionate address delivered today in Abuja, Tinubu decried the loss of countless lives to preventable causes, thrusting the issue into the spotlight as a top priority for Nigeria’s leadership.

“We cannot continue to accept this tragedy as normal,” Tinubu declared, emphasizing the human toll behind the statistics. “Every mother and child lost is a wound to our nation.” Nigeria remains one of the world’s deadliest places for childbirth, with the World Health Organization estimating that over 50,000 women and 250,000 newborns die annually from complications related to pregnancy and delivery—figures that dwarf those of many peer nations.

Her Excellency’s remarks come at a time when Nigeria’s healthcare system is under intense scrutiny, affected by underfunding, a shortage of medical personnel, and crumbling infrastructure, particularly in rural regions. She vowed to advocate for solutions, including increased investment in maternal care and better access to emergency services, though specifics of her plan remain forthcoming.

The First Lady’s statement has struck a chord with Nigerians, amplifying voices long raised in frustration. Protests in cities like Lagos and Kano this week, reported by local outlets, have seen women marching alongside men to demand better governance, with healthcare disparities a frequent rallying cry.

Experts say the crisis is rooted in deep systemic issues. “Over 60% of births in rural Nigeria happen without skilled attendants,” said Dr. Chidi Okonkwo, a public health specialist in Enugu. “Add poverty and poor roads, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.” Tinubu’s high-profile intervention could pressure the government to act, but skepticism lingers among those who’ve seen past promises falter.

 

 

 

 

 

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Celebrating Ramadan: Three Crowns Encourages Acts of Kindness with New Initiative

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Three Crowns, a prominent milk brand from FrieslandCampina WAMCO, has launched its 2025 Ramadan initiative, aptly named “Deeds Beyond Measure.” This initiative aims to inspire Muslims to embrace the essence of Ramadan through acts of kindness, community engagement, and personal growth.

The “Deeds Beyond Measure” campaign includes a series of weekly challenges that promote community benevolence. The initiative kicked off with participants memorizing and reciting Quranic verses, encouraging them to share 30-second videos of their recitations on social media. In addition, participants were urged to organize Iftar gatherings within their communities, fostering a sense of generosity and unity.

In a demonstration of its commitment to supporting Muslim communities during this holy month, Three Crowns implemented a comprehensive Iftar program across major cities in Nigeria, providing nutritious meals to the faithful. Locations included the Alausa Secretariat Central Mosque in Lagos, Bodija Central Mosque in Ibadan, and the National Mosque in Abuja. The program also extended to Mararaba Central Mosque in Abuja, Oja Oba Central Mosque in Ibadan, and Mowe Nasfat Central Mosque in Lagos, among others, reaching deeper into communities and offering nourishing meals in the spirit of Ramadan.

Chioma Igwe, Marketing Manager at Three Crowns, expressed, “As a brand that genuinely cares, we recognize the significance of this sacred period for our Muslim communities. Connecting with them during Iftar and sharing nourishing meals creates joyful moments of gratitude and wellness.”

To further promote balanced nutrition throughout Ramadan, Three Crowns collaborated with a renowned chef to produce a special “30 Days of Ramadan” recipe guide. This guide features delicious and nutritious meals crafted with Three Crowns Milk, assisting Muslim consumers in maintaining a healthy diet while fasting.

Building on the success of last year’s initiative, which focused on heart health and wellness, this year’s program broadens its scope to include community service and spiritual well-being. “Ramadan is a time for reflection, gratitude, and giving back,” stated Igwe. “Through our ‘Deeds Beyond Measure’ initiative, we aim to inspire acts of kindness that promote both physical and spiritual wellness.”

 

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Kano Women Protest Over Food Price Crisis

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By Prosper Mene, April 5, 2025

In a concerning display of frustration, hundreds of women flooded the streets of Kano today, banging empty pots and hoisting placards with messages like “We Can’t Feed Our Children” to protest the relentless surge in food prices that has pushed millions of Nigerian families to the brink. The demonstration, which began at dawn in the Fagge district, marked a crescendo in public anger over an inflation crisis that has seen the cost of staples like rice, yam, and beans double in the past year alone.

“We’re not begging for charity, we just want prices we can afford,” said Fatima Ibrahim, a 42-year-old trader and mother of five, her voice rising above the chants of the crowd. “How can I feed my family when a bag of rice costs more than I earn in a month?” Her words captured the desperation felt by many in Kano, Nigeria’s second-largest city, where women, often the backbone of household economies, bear the heaviest burden of the nation’s worsening cost-of-living crisis.

Organized by a coalition of grassroots women’s groups, including the Kano Mothers’ Network, the protest drew participants from across the city’s sprawling markets and low-income neighborhoods. Demonstrators marched toward the Government House, calling on Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to press the federal government for urgent action—subsidies, price controls, or relief programs—to ease the strain. By midday, the crowd swelled to nearly a thousand, with some carrying wilted vegetables to symbolize their dwindling resources.

Nigeria’s inflation rate, hovering above 30% according to recent estimates, has been fueled by a mix of global supply chain disruptions, naira depreciation, and local factors like flooding that devastated farms in 2024. For women like Ibrahim, who rely on daily market sales to survive, the impact is immediate and devastating. “If I don’t sell, we don’t eat. But now, even selling isn’t enough,” she said.

The protest also spotlighted a gender divide in economic hardship. Women, who dominate informal trade and small-scale farming in northern Nigeria, have been hit hardest by rising costs, yet their voices are rarely heard in policy debates. “We manage the home, we feed the children, why are we ignored when the system fails?” asked Halima Sani, a protest organizer.

Governor Yusuf’s administration responded cautiously, with a spokesperson promising that officials were “actively engaging stakeholders” to address the crisis. However, no specific measures, such as the emergency food distribution requested by protesters—were outlined by the time the crowd dispersed under the late afternoon sun. The lack of immediate action drew sharp criticism from demonstrators, who vowed to return if their demands go unmet.

Today’s march in Kano joins a wave of similar protests led by women across Nigeria, from Lagos to Maiduguri, signaling a growing movement against economic policies that many say favor the elite over the struggling majority.

 

 

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Women in Tech Take Center Stage at Lagos Innovation Summit

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By Prosper Mene, April 5, 2025

The Lagos Innovation Summit transformed into a celebration of female ingenuity today as Nigerian women in tech dazzled attendees with cutting-edge solutions, challenging the male-dominated landscape of the country’s burgeoning startup ecosystem. Held at the sleek Eko Convention Centre, the event drew over 1,000 participants—investors, policymakers, and tech enthusiasts—who witnessed a powerful push to bridge the gender gap in an industry where women have long been sidelined.

The star of the day was 29-year-old Chidinma Okeke, a software developer from Enugu, whose app “FarmLink” earned her the coveted “Innovator of the Year” award. The platform, launched just 18 months ago, connects rural farmers—over 70% of whom are women—to urban buyers, cutting out exploitative middlemen and boosting incomes. “I built this for the women who feed us, who deserve more than they’ve been given,” Okeke told a packed audience, her words met with roaring applause. By linking small-scale producers to Lagos’ sprawling markets, FarmLink has already lifted profits for hundreds of farmers, proving tech can be a lifeline for Nigeria’s agricultural backbone.

Other standout innovators included Aisha Bello, whose AI-driven telemedicine platform is expanding healthcare access in northern villages, and Funmi Adeyemi, who unveiled a blockchain-based microloan system tailored for female entrepreneurs. Their presentations underscored a broader theme: Nigerian women are not just joining the tech revolution—they’re steering it toward solutions that uplift their communities.

The summit, now in its fifth year, has never seen such a strong female presence, with women making up nearly half of the 50 showcased startups—a stark contrast to the 15% representation reported in Nigeria’s tech sector by recent industry surveys. Organizers credited deliberate outreach, including mentorship programs and grants from partners like the Tony Elumelu Foundation, for the shift. “This is a milestone,” said summit director Tolu Adesina. “These women are breaking ceilings and rewriting the narrative.”

Yet, challenges persist. Okeke and her peers spoke candidly about securing funding in a venture capital scene where less than 5% of investments go to female-led startups, according to 2024 data. “We’re proving our worth, but the system still doubts us,” she said, a sentiment echoed in X posts praising the summit while lamenting the broader gender bias in tech financing.

Government officials, including Lagos State Commissioner for Science and Technology Olatunbosun Alake, pledged support, hinting at a forthcoming “Women in Tech Fund” to be unveiled later this year. For now, the summit’s energy—fueled by Okeke’s win and the buzz of innovation—left attendees optimistic. “We’re not here to participate in the future,” Okeke declared in her closing remarks. “We’re here to build it.”

 

 

 

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Middle-Class Women Push Through Nigeria’s Economic Tightrope in 2025.

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By Prosper Mene, April 4, 2025  

Amaka Okoli, a 34-year-old mother of two, used to type numbers in a Lagos bank. Today, she maneuvers a 16-seater bus through the city’s chaotic streets, a job she took up last year to keep her family afloat. “The bank salary couldn’t match the rising cost of everything,” she says, wiping sweat from her brow. “Driving pays better now.”

Okoli is one of countless middle-class Nigerian women redefining survival in an economy that grew 3.4% in 2024—its fastest pace in three years, but still feels like a squeeze for many. While the Bola Tinubu administration touts GDP gains driven by services and reforms like ending the petrol subsidy, the reality for women like Okoli is a daily grind of rising costs, stagnant wages, and shrinking opportunities.

For Nigeria’s middle class, loosely defined as households earning between ₦150,000 and ₦500,000 monthly—2025 has brought both resilience and reckoning. Women, often the backbone of these families, are adapting in remarkable ways. The Ladies on Wheels Association of Nigeria, a network of female commercial drivers, has swelled from six members in 2018 to over 5,000 today, spurred by economic necessity and a rejection of traditional roles. “We’re not waiting for handouts,” says Fatima Yusuf, the group’s coordinator. “We’re taking the wheel—literally.”

Yet, the numbers tell a tougher story. Food inflation, though slightly eased from its 2023 peak, hovers above 30%, devouring household budgets. The World Bank’s recent $1.08 billion loan, approved this week, promises to bolster education and nutrition, but only 15% of employed Nigerians—mostly men—work in the formal sector. Women, who dominate the informal economy (over 95% according to UN Women), see little direct relief. “I sell clothes online now,” says Chidinma Eze, a former teacher turned entrepreneur. “School paid ₦80,000 a month. I make triple that, but every profit goes to food and fuel.”

The naira’s float, a hallmark of Tinubu’s 2023 reforms, has stabilized somewhat, but exchange rates remain punishing for importers like Aisha Bello, a fabric trader in Kano. “Dollar costs mean I’ve lost customers,” she laments. “Middle-class women used to buy my lace for weddings. Now, they patch old dresses.”

This is the current situation of middle class women in Nigeria’s economic turmoil.

 

 

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EmpowermentNewsUncategorizedWomen EmpowermentWomen in Nigeria

New Initiative to Empower 48,000 Women in Nigeria’s Katsina State Amid Economic and Security Challenges.

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By Prosper Mene

A beacon of hope emerged for women in northern Nigeria today as the Women Initiative for Northern Nigeria Development unveiled an ambitious plan to support 48,000 women across 16 local government areas in Katsina State. The initiative, announced on April 3, 2025, aims to bolster economic opportunities in a region long hampered by insecurity and scarce resources, offering a lifeline to women seeking financial independence.

The program targets some of Katsina’s most underserved communities, where banditry, poverty, and limited infrastructure have disproportionately affected women’s livelihoods. By providing training, resources, and access to markets, the initiative seeks to bridge the economic gap that has left many women in the region struggling to support their families. Specific details on funding and implementation timelines are yet to be fully disclosed, but organizers say the effort will prioritize sustainable growth.

The move aligns with broader national commitments to uplift Nigerian women, syncing pledges made by President Bola Tinubu and other leaders during last month’s International Women’s Day events. In March, Tinubu emphasized dismantling systemic barriers and expanding women’s access to finance and governance roles, a vision this initiative aims to put into action. Katsina, a state in Nigeria’s northwest, has been a focal point for such efforts, given its high rates of poverty and gender disparity.

Local women’s advocates have welcomed the announcement, though some caution that success hinges on addressing the region’s security challenges. “Economic empowerment is vital, but it’s hard to thrive when you’re living in fear,” said Amina Yusuf, a community leader in Katsina. “This must go hand in hand with peace.”

The Women Initiative for Northern Nigeria Development’s plan marks a significant step toward gender equity in a region where opportunities for women have historically been limited. As the program rolls out, all eyes will be on Katsina to see if it can deliver on its promise of transformation amid the area’s complex realities.

 

 

 

 

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INEC Rejects Recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

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By Prosper Mene 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially rejected a petition seeking the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, citing its failure to meet constitutional requirements.

 

In a statement released on Thursday, INEC disclosed that the petition, submitted by some constituents of Kogi Central, did not satisfy Section 69(a) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

This section mandates that a recall petition must be supported by signatures from more than half of the registered voters in the constituency. With Kogi Central having 474,554 registered voters, the petition required at least 237,278 valid signatures to proceed. However, after a thorough verification process, INEC confirmed only 208,132 signatures, equating to 43.86%—falling short by 29,146 signatures.

“The petition for the recall of the Senator representing the Kogi Central Senatorial District has not met the requirement of Section 69(a) of the Constitution. Therefore, no further action shall be taken on the matter,” INEC stated via its official X account, @INECNigeria.

The recall effort stemmed from controversy surrounding Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended from the Senate on March 6, 2025, for alleged “gross misconduct” following a dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Some constituents, citing her suspension and dissatisfaction with her conduct, initiated the recall process, submitting the petition to INEC on March 24. The commission had initially acknowledged receipt of the petition, accompanied by six bags of documents purportedly containing over 250,000 signatures.

Despite the petitioners’ claims, INEC’s verification revealed discrepancies, including the cancellation of approximately 35,000 signatures during the administrative review. The constituents, led by spokesperson Salihu Habib, expressed frustration but vowed to persist, asserting that the validated 43.86% still reflected widespread discontent with the senator. “We will liaise with INEC within the full ambit of the constitution to demand transparency,” Habib said in a statement, hinting at potential further action.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, however, celebrated the decision as a victory for democracy. In a post on Social Media, she praised INEC, stating, “INEC Nigeria, you did well. Senator Natasha H Akpoti Uduaghan Proudly Kogi Central.” In a subsequent statement, she took a swipe at her detractors, including former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, claiming, “God has put to shame anti-democratic forces plotting my recall, including one of the most wanted persons by the EFCC.”

INEC emphasized that the review adhered to its 2024 Regulations and Guidelines for Recall, ensuring fairness and due process. Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, defended the commission’s impartiality on Channels Television’s Politics Today, dismissing allegations of bias. “The petitioners failed to meet legal requirements. There’s no partisanship here,” he said.

The rejection marks the end of this recall attempt, though questions linger about whether the process could be reinitiated. Oyekanmi noted that the law does not explicitly limit repeat petitions, leaving room for speculation about future political maneuvers in Kogi Central.

 

 

 

 

 

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